Spirit Quest

Aaron, a white fifth-grader on vacation from his Seattle home, and Robert, a Quileute Indian boy, meet and begin to explore their cultural differences. The new friends soon decide they want to go on a modern version of the ancient Indian spirit quest. Although Sharpe's ( Waterman's Boy ) writing is somewhat didactic in the book's opening passages, she accomplishes the difficult task of juggling symbolism and action. When Aaron and Robert set off on their quest on a desolate beach, Sharpe brings to a stark, realistic climax the clashes between ancient and modern, Indian and white, natural and man-made. In these sections, the book's bold, original subject matter shines brilliantly. Ages 9-11. (Aug.)